Should You Change the Locks When You Move Into a New Home in Tuscaloosa?
Just got the keys to a new place in Tuscaloosa or Northport? Before you unpack a single box, it’s worth thinking about who else might still have a working key to your front door. Here’s what actually needs to change, what can wait, and what it typically costs to do it right.
Why You Should Change Locks When You Move In — Even If You Got “All the Keys”
Most sellers and landlords hand over what they believe is the full set, but there’s no real way to know how many copies exist. Over the years a home can pass through cleaning crews, contractors, real estate agents, dog walkers, previous tenants, neighbors who watered plants, and family members who all had a key cut at some point. None of that is anyone’s fault — it’s just how keys accumulate over the life of a house.
- A previous owner or tenant may have given a spare to a friend or relative years ago and forgotten about it
- Contractors and cleaners often keep a copy “just in case” after a job
- Lockboxes used during a home sale sit outside for weeks and are handled by multiple agents
- You have no way to verify how many blanks were cut over the years
What to Rekey or Replace Right After Moving In
1. Exterior Doors (Front, Back, and Side Entry)
This is the priority. Every exterior door with a lock should either be rekeyed (same lock, new pins, new key) or replaced entirely if the hardware is old, damaged, or you want an upgrade like a smart lock.
2. Garage Entry Door and Garage Keypad
If your garage has a side door with a physical lock, treat it the same as a front door. If there’s a keypad, change the code immediately — this is one of the fastest, cheapest security upgrades you can make on move-in day.
3. Any Storage Sheds or Outbuildings
Easy to forget, but a shed key is still a way into your property. If it’s not urgent, it’s at least worth adding to your list.
What You Can Usually Leave Alone
Interior doors (bedrooms, bathrooms) almost never need new locks unless you specifically want privacy locks added. Mailbox locks are typically separate from your home’s keying and are managed by USPS or your property manager.
Rekey vs. Full Lock Replacement: Which Makes Sense After a Move?
Rekeying is the faster, more affordable option when your existing locks are in good physical condition — a locksmith opens the cylinder, swaps the internal pins, and cuts you new keys, so every old key stops working immediately. Full replacement makes more sense when:
- The locks are old, worn, or don’t match your other doors
- You want to upgrade to a smart lock or keyless entry
- You want every exterior door keyed alike, but they’re currently a mismatched set
- A lock is damaged, sticky, or was never great quality to begin with
Many Tuscaloosa homeowners rekey on move-in day for the quick security win, then replace hardware later on their own timeline. For a breakdown of typical rekey pricing, see our rekey cost guide.
How Soon Should You Do This After Moving In?
Ideally, before your first night in the home — or as close to it as possible. Most locksmiths can rekey an entire house in well under an hour, so it’s realistic to have it done the same day as your move, often while boxes are still being carried in.
Should You Key All Your Exterior Doors Alike?
Yes, in almost every case. Keying alike means one key opens your front door, back door, and side door instead of carrying a separate key for each. It costs the same as rekeying each lock individually — the only difference is making sure the locksmith keys them to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to change locks if the seller seemed trustworthy?
Trustworthiness isn’t really the issue — it’s the unknown number of copies made by other people over the years. It’s a standard, low-cost precaution, not a judgment of the previous owner.
Can I rekey the locks myself?
If you’re comfortable with small tools and can find the correct pin kit for your exact lock brand, it’s possible — but most people find it faster and more reliable to have a locksmith do it in one visit, especially when multiple doors need to match.
More real move-in and lock questions are answered on our full locksmith FAQ page.
Just Moved In Around Tuscaloosa or Northport?
We rekey full homes in one visit, key every exterior door alike, and can walk you through smart lock options if you want to upgrade instead. See our pricing page or call to get a quote for your move-in day.